Speculation has been slowly mounting over the last few days that Arsenal (as well as Chel$ki and Liverpool) are targeting young Southampton left back Matt Targett after missing out on another Southampton left back – Luke Shaw. Currently behind Luke Shaw in the pecking order at Southampton – Targett has been impressing in the under 21 league for Southampton and apparently Arsenal scouts have been impressed with his technical ability.

From what I can gather – this story first appeared on Goal.com over a week ago – and as the Luke Shaw story died out – this one has gathered pace. So what do we know? Targett is clearly talented and will have been watched by countless clubs due to his involvement in the Under 21 league. With Shaw signing a new contract Targett may well find his route to the first team blocked for the foreseeable future. Or Targett may well prepare to wait at the club in the knowledge that at some point in the near (ish) but slightly longer than initially thought future (due to his new contract) – Shaw will be leaving Southampton. When Shaw does leave – Targett could well find himself in pole position to make that spot his own. Considering everything though – I very much doubt that anything will happen with this until the summer. Targett certainly is a talent and unquestionably someone that we will be keeping an eye on in the future – but because of his age and lack of experience I don’t think he is a target for now. Having said all that – you only have to look at Jenkinson to see that young players without much experience can step up and play a major part.